Morphosis: Recent Works (Planet Architecture) [Abridged, Unknown format] [CD-ROM]

in-D (Author), Thom Mayne (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2000

"Morphosis: Recent Works" is the fourth in a series of monographs featuring the works of individual architects by PlanetArchitecture.com. Over the past three decades Thom Mayne, principal of Morphosis, has designed some of the most exciting and innovative buildings to be seen in the U.S. and abroad. His non-traditional exploration of architecture, which transcends materials, forms, and tectonics, embody an architecture rooted in time, place and purpose. Featured are two recently completed buildings: Hypo Alpe-Adria-Center in Klagenfurt, Austria and Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, U.S. The conceptualization of landscape and building as one is further developed in the Hypo Alpe-Adria-Center, the headquarters for a bank, which through urban patterns attempts to reconnect with the fabric of the city. The conceptualization and design of Diamond Ranch high School similarly draws upon relationships with the larger landscape beyond its own boundaries. The results are marvelous forms that play with and against the sloping site, and framed vistas that connect with the scenery beyond. Also included are five projects in various stages of design and development. Extensive use of computer models, drawings and renderings illustrate the extensive lengths Thom Mayne explores each project.

This CD-ROM features an intuitive, multi-referenced interface used to access the entire e-archive (electronic archive) of video interviews, photographs, writings, virtual reality panoramas, and drawings. The unique graphical interface takes full advantage of the interactive media and makes the self guided explorations both user friendly and enjoyable. This e-archive provides comprehensive documentation and virtual experiences unparalleled by any single medium. Nearly 50 photographs of interiors, exteriors, and details document these projects like never before. 36 virtual reality panoramas (allowing 360 degree panning) take you there "virtually." An extensive 33 minute video interview with Thom Mayne brings new insights in understanding the Architect behind Morphosis. A comprehensive collection of drawings, models, and computer renderings (over 140 in all) illustrate the conceptual ideas and process of developing the unusual forms and structures. A text and photo based introduction by R.E. Somol provides a new perspective on Thom Mayne, the principal of Morphosis.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

in-D.com publishes interactive e-archives (electronic archives) on CD-ROM. The Planet Architecture Series is the first series on contemporary and modern architecture. The PA Series enhances our appreciation of architecture by increasing our understanding of the built environment through the integration of video interviews, photographs, text, VR panoramic views, drawings and models, the e-archive transcends the capabilities of traditional media. The intuitive, multi-referenced interface allows the user a self-directed experience of entire e-archive. The PA Series provides comprehensive documentation and virtual experiences unparalleled by any single medium. Other titles include: Volume One: - Recent Houses (4 houses by Eric Owen Moss, RoTo, Will Bruder, and Scogin Elam Bray), Volume Two -Recent Houses (5 houses by Morphosis, Mark Mack, Frank Israel, and Rick Joy), Volume Three - Bay Area Modern (4 houses by Jim Jennings, Ann Fougeron, Fernau Hartman, and Robert Swatt), Volume Four - 4 Tokyo Houses (4 houses by Hitoshi Abe, Jun Aoki, ADH Architects and Tezuka Architects), R.M. Schindler - 4 Houses (Kings Rd. House, How House, Tischler House, and Kallis House), R.M. Schinder - 1933-1942 (Rodriguez house, Oliver house, de Keyser house and Droste house), Will Bruder - Recent Works (Townsend house, Byrne house, Phoenix Central Library, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Riddell Advertising, and the Deer Valley rock Art Center), Eric Owen Moss - Recent Works (projects spanning 15 years at Conjunctive Points - a mix use revitalization of a post-industrial warehouse district), and Morphosis - Recent Works (Hypo-Alpe-Adria-Center, Diamond Ranch High School, Stadion Salzburg-Wals, 101 Pedestrian Bridge, Palenque at Centro JVC, Wettbewerb Kunsthaus Graz, University of Toronto Graduate. Student Housing).

Product Details

• CD-ROM: 300 pages
• Publisher: in-D media; Abridged edition (October 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893801055
• ISBN-13: 978-1893801059
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,667,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite architects on an excellent CD., December 14, 2000

By 

Kimberly Wheeler (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Morphosis: Recent Works (Planet Architecture) (CD-ROM)

This latest CD from Planet Architecture is just excellent. This is the third volume that I've purchased, the other two also being excellent, but I'm particularly influenced by the work of Thom Mayne so I was extremely excited to finally find a CD of his work. The CD didn't disappoint - I'm learning a great deal more (and some totally unexpected things!) every time I go through the disc. The interview videos are filled with surprises and I found Mayne to be both much more engaging than expected and quite the pleasure to listen to. He explains in spoken language many things that I think would have been difficult to comprehend by simply reading or studying his drawings. That being said, the large number of drawings, photographs, and Quicktime VR examples are simply invaluable for gaining a deep understanding of his work. I consider the discs from Planet Architecture to be works of art in themselves, and really a great example of what the CD medium is capable of communicating when it's done right. I'd highly recommend it to both my fellow architects who want to learn something new, as well as any cliet interested in new directions in architecture.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wow, i give this CD TWO THUMBS up.............., December 30, 2003

By 

Kyle Wang (El Monte, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Morphosis: Recent Works (Planet Architecture) (CD-ROM)

if you want to better understand the work of morphosis, this cd gives you an in-depth overview of morphosis' recent works including Hypo Alpe-Adria Center, Diamond Ranch High School, 101 pedestrian Bridge, Univ. of Toronto Grad Student Housing, and so much more. these are some of the most exciting and innovative buildings in the US and abroad by Morphosis. you will enjoy how they use the non-traditional approach which transcends materials, forms, and tectonics, reflects an architecture rooted in time, place and purpose. THIS CD is a comprehesive collection of video interviews, photographs, drawings and models. i give this item two thumbs up.

2.0 out of 5 stars Not much content for the money., June 20, 2007

By 

Tough Nut (Upstate, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Morphosis: Recent Works (Planet Architecture) (CD-ROM)

This CD is a bit short of a new media experience; the content and file size is limited and low res.; I had hoped it would permit more detailed viewing than the equivalent material in book form. I also bought the Hadid CD which was several years newer, slightly better presentation and more content. Still neither gave the satisfaction of flipping pages at the coffee table or on the thrown.